Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: LittleBen on December 06, 2013, 08:36:00 AM

Title: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: LittleBen on December 06, 2013, 08:36:00 AM
I'm afraid to even ask, because of how many possible carbon limb questions this might spawn.

I remember a thread a while back and someone posted a picture of a bow, I believe a one piece with a foam core, and IIRC it was not one of the full-time professional guys. Meaning, obviously someone sells this stuff. I can;t imagine bowyers are making it it seems like it wouold be some super high tech, highly controlled process.

Someone help a guy out.
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: Zradix on December 06, 2013, 12:35:00 PM
Maybe you could call/email a bowyer that uses the stuff and buy some?

I know Bigfoot Bows (Kirkll) and Eaglwing Bows (Sixby) use the stuff.

syntactic foam comes in lots of variations.
Not sure what type is best or even works in a bow limb.

I found this place that at least sells strips instead of selling it in blocks...bet you'll have to buy a lot of it though...
   http://www.trelleborg.com/en/Offshore-Boston/Products--Solutions/Thermal-Insulation-Tape/

Here are a couple other places....
http://www.crg-industries.com/advantic.htm

http://www.synfoam.com/SynFoamPI.html
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: LittleBen on December 06, 2013, 01:57:00 PM
turns out CRG-industries supplies morrison archery ...
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: beachbowhunter on December 06, 2013, 02:17:00 PM
Dale Stahl carries it...
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: Zradix on December 06, 2013, 03:22:00 PM
Surprisingly dense stuff isn't it?
The "stronger" stuff from crg is 40.5 lb/cu. ft.
That's about the same as walnut I believe.

...now the lighter stuff at 31.2 lb/cu. ft. is pretty light...but sounds a little weak to me....
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: LittleBen on December 06, 2013, 06:22:00 PM
Yeah I think you're right. Makes me think it's not worth the trouble over walnut or maple or something like that.
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: jess stuart on December 06, 2013, 06:43:00 PM
Not real sure but The Old Master Crafter may have it, they seem to supply quite a few bowyers.  I haven't used them in a few years but, they always had good quality lams and riser woods.
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: Zradix on December 06, 2013, 08:19:00 PM
Well I suppose it might depend on your reasons for wanting to try it.

Might make a difference if you're making a really deep cored bow.

Maybe you want to use all manmade materials just for fun or in hopes weather/humidity won't effect the bow..?

Or maybe you just want to use foam just to do it.

I doubt it will turn a bow into a super bow...but it would be fun to try...
Title: Re: Where do you get foam limb core material?
Post by: goobersan on December 07, 2013, 11:05:00 PM
I know John at O.M.C. has some. PM me if you need more info. I should see him tomorrow night